Kerela has a long coast line dotted with some of the finest beaches of the world, coconut groves, lagoons and sheltered coves. One of the beaches in Kerala, Kovalam has been rated as one of the 100 places not to be missed in a lifetime by National Geographic. There are numerous other beaches in Kerala, we have tried to list the more frequented beaches in this page to start with.

Kerala has always been known for its immaculate landscape of blue and green with a 590 km coastline. This pristine state in southwest India promises travellers an unforgettable seaside sojourn. Although there are numerous beaches in Kerala there are only a few with good infra structure. We bring you a roundup of some of the prettiest beaches in Kerala to visit and resorts to stay at during a holiday to Kerala.

For anyone looking forward to a lazy and laid back holiday, kerala backwaters is the place to be at. Bask in the beauty of nature amidst coconut canopies, mangroves, paddy fields and backwaters decked with white lilies. A soothing ayurvedic massage to top it can make a perfect lazy vacation in these backwaters of Kerala.

Kerala is the land of backwaters. The Backwaters in kerala are an amazing jumble of flickering waterways, lakes, channels, lagoons and canals. Lined with coconut palms these backwaters offer a wonderful sight. A houseboat cruise over these serene backwaters of Kerala also offer a glimpse into rural life styles of the state as the houseboat passes through the traditional villages situated alongside the backwaters

The Hill Stations of Kerala is a perfect destination when its time to get away from the crowd. Be it the famous Munnar or not so famous Pattumala the bracing mountain air, winding paths, and profusion of flowers in bloom gives these hillstations in Kerala an exotic appeal. The hill stations in Kerala almost all through the year remains green giving Kerala hill stations a unique appeal.

Kerala is lined by the western ghats on its eastern side which is responsible for keeping this little state as green as it is. The western ghats also have some of the most beautiful hill stations in the country. Rising to an average height of 1520m the hill stations in Kerala offer some scintillating views. Kerala due to the sub tropical climate, none of the hill stations in Kerala are snow capped.

Keralaís forests are punctuated with small and large streams that merge together to form luscious waterfalls. The flowing stream and pools add to the charm. These water falls in Kerala can coax just about anyone to spend hours just gazing at the mesmerizing beauty of the waterfalls. Kerala Holidays will not be complete without a visit to a waterfalls in Kerala.

Kerala has a long coastline on one side and on the other has dense forests of the western ghats. The forests of Western ghats are punctuated with large and small waterfalls that cascade down the mountain side. To see most of these waterfalls one would have to trek down the forest which in itself is a delightful experiance. During monsoons its slightly treacherous to reach the waterfalls.

Kerala is bestowed with a rich repertoire of natural bounty - mountains & hills, rivers & lakes, backwaters & shoreline. It is natural for Kerala to be home to many national parks and sanctuaries. The enchanting green forest with its rich flora and fauna makes Kerala a much sought after wildlife destination in India. Wild life in Kerala add that extra bit of excitement when you holiday in Kerala.

Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Though its a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the herds of Indian elephants. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is one of the few sanctuaries where one can see wild life and herds of elephants in the open while sitting in a boat.

The imposing circular fort at Bekal is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. The beautiful expanse of the shallow beach near the Bekal fort known as Bekal Fort Beach has been developed as an exotic beach location by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC). BRDC was set up by the Government of Kerala to develop Bekal as a planned eco-friendly destination.

Kasaragod, the northernmost district of Kerala is renowned as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. Bekal is located towards the southern part of Kasargod. A relatively new entrant on the luxury travellerís map, Bekal is most famous for its fort, which is the oldest in Kerala. The fortís ramparts make for a superb sight. Located so far north, itís easier to get to Bekal from Mangalore than any city in Kerala.

Cherai is a village on Vypeen Island which is part of Ernakulam district. A narrow island strip stretching some 40 km, Vypeen has backwaters to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west. Caressed by both the sea and the backwaters Cherai presents a unique environment. Cherai beach that lines the village of Cherai along the Arabian Sea extends for about 8 kms!

Cherai Beach bordering the northern end of Vypeen Island is a popular beach destination. Located about 25 km from Ernakulam city Cherai is a unique combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms and paddy fields. The 15 km long golden Beach is shallow and is ideal for swimming. The main beach has a walkway and high mask lamps which make the beach enjoyable even at night.

Marari is a peaceful place to relax and unwind. Marari Beach barely 15 km from Alappuzha town is a 'un-touristy' sleepy little village. Its idyllic location makes Marari a great location to stay in Alappuzha. Marari is a great location to explore perfect for those enjoying the backwaters in Alappuzha who feel like staying at the beach as well for sometime!

Marari or Mararikulam is a sleepy fishing village, about 15 Kms from Alappuzha and about 60 kms south of Cochin. The village of Marari is tucked away behind a line of dense palms that rise like a green fortification. Set amidst the groves Marari Beach is an ideal destination to spend your holidays. A must visit in Mararikulam is the traditional coir-making units. You may also explore the backwaters here.

Kappad is famous as the beach near Kozhikode (Calicut), India, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed on May 20, 1498. His voyage established the sea route from Europe to India. Establishment of this route led to eventual domination and rule by the East India Company in India. A monument has been built on the beach in memory of this historic event.

Kappad Beach is located about 18 Km from Kozhikode in Kappad locally known as Kappakadavu. The beach is very calm with a stretch of rocks projecting into the sea. On the beach itself, there is a singularly large rock that juts out into the surf, upon which sits an 800-year-old temple. Kappad with the inviting Kappad beach and its fascinating rock formations is perfect for the beach lovers.

Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrivals of the masses of hippies on their way to Ceylon in the Hippie Trail. This exodus started the transformation of Kovalam, a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India. Kovalam now has been rated as one of the 100 places not to be missed in a lifetime by National Geographic.

The crescent-shaped Kovalam Beach is divided into three parts. The southern-most beach, Lighthouse Beach, is by far the most popular amongst the beaches in Kovalam. The middle beach, adjacent to it, is called the Hawa Beach, the northern-most beach, Samudra, is the most laidback and secluded. Vizhinjam Lighthouse at Lighthouse Beach offers superb views across to Kovalam Jama Masjid.